PHILLIP ISLAND, VIC. — The Country Fire Authority (CFA) bid an emotional farewell to the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix on the weekend of October 24 and 25 after brigades from around the state provided crucial support to the event for 37 years.
For decades, CFA has played a vital role behind the scenes of the MotoGP at Phillip Island, with this year’s event marking the end of an era as the GP moves interstate from 2027.
Since the Australian Grand Prix was first held at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit in 1989, CFA volunteers and brigades have worked alongside emergency services and event organisers to provide fire protection, emergency response capability and community safety support throughout race weekends.
The annual event which transforms Phillip Island, attracting tens of thousands of visitors, creates unique operational challenges for emergency services.
The local Phillip Island Fire Brigade has long been at the centre of the operation throughout the yearly event, supported by CFA volunteers and resources from brigades across Victoria.
Over the years, CFA’s involvement has evolved alongside the event, with volunteers providing dedicated fire suppression resources to protect camping areas and support circuit operations, and working within multi-agency emergency management arrangements.
The operation now requires months of planning and coordination to ensure both the event precinct and the broader Phillip Island community remain protected throughout the busy race period.
Bass Coast Group Officer Damien O’Connor has participated in the organisation and execution of over 30 MotoGPs at Phillip Island and said it was a sad farewell.
“The GP is one of those events on the CFA calendar that so many of our people look forward to, and this year’s was no exception,” Damien said.
“It has provided an opportunity for the past 37 years to bring our people together at the centre of an event that is on the international stage.
“It showcases CFA’s immense capability to punch well above its weight in large-scale event management.
“This year was a sad goodbye as the race got cancelled due to weather, but it was still a great weekend with our crews absolutely making the best of it.”
